Birthday Fun and Wedding Updates.

Last week was a busy week. Every day was booked with something to do. Usually there's a few days out of the week where I have a night to relax; lounge on the couch; pig out on junk food; be lazy. There was so much going on, that a night like that didn't exist. Secretly, I'm okay with it. Time flew by and now we're on to a new week and (almost) a new month.

Before we leave this month behind, a special birthday cannot (and will not) go unnoticed. My soon-to-be husband celebrated his 27th birthday on Saturday. While he didn't want it to be a "big deal" or "anything spectacular", I couldn't let him get away with having a boring birthday. Before he got up, I snuck out of the room to do a few "birthday" things around the house. Recreating what was done for me as a child, I hung a happy birthday sign up on the wall; and made sure the table was clear, so his present would be the first thing he'd notice.

Not expecting any of it, seeing his surprised face light up was all I needed to make my day. Hey, even at 27, a birthday sign and presents are still exciting.

After opening his gifts (a bunch of clothes) we got dressed and went shopping. I promised him shoes.....to which he found three pairs. But the man needs shoes. Sometimes it amazes me how simple he is. Before his new pairs of shoes, he maybe owned about 5 pairs. But this is what I love about him; name brands don't mean anything to him. If I asked him who Michael Kors is, he would give me that blank stare look and say "where?" Yes, you read that right......my point exactly.

The rest of the day consisted of delicious burgers at Fuddruckers, watching UFC, and enjoying a mouthwatering homemade chocolate cake from his Momma. We were going to finish the night off with seeing a movie, but quickly realized that a 10:30pm showing would be "too late". So we held true to our "we're so old" line, and opted for our warm bed instead. Perfect end to a perfect day.

In wedding land, things are moving along just fine. Our six month mark came, and then went, and now I'm just in that blah stage. All the big vendors have been booked and now I'm shopping around for the little things that need to be done. I feel like I'm in that "in-between" stage, where I want to start making name cards, but really can't until the end. I want to start making the programs, but I don't have all the ceremony details set. I want to start putting together all my favors, but if I do, where the hell will I put them all?

So for now, I'm being patient (trying, anyway) to wait. I've been continuing my weekly trips to Michael's, swooping up all the vases I can get my hands on. I went to the Hallmark store yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to find their wedding section 40% off. I walked out paying ten bucks for a super cute guest sign-in book. It's little things like this that make me happy.

I pick my sister up from the airport on Wednesday. She's flying in to spend a very busy day with me. We're finally picking out the bridesmaid dresses. Then we're off to Macy's and Bed, Bath & Beyond to finally register for gifts. (...I'm surprised I've held out for this long. I've been looking forward to registering before I even got engaged......not kidding).

If I thought I was going to get a night to relax this week, wrong again! I'm in store for another busy, but exciting week. I'll try to catch back up with you all at the end of the week.

With that, I'll leave you with these beautiful flowers that Jon brought home for me the other day. It's one of the many reasons why I love him :)

Happy Birthday To You, Blog.

One year ago today, I made the decision to bare my thoughts and soul to the world. One year ago today, I was mourning that little something special of what could have been. One year ago today, I began a journey of recovery, grief and moving on. It's amazing how far I've come in one year and how beautiful life can be when she throws you a different path. While it may feel dark and painful at first, the more you continue on, the brighter your world will become.

I've been asked before, "do you enjoy blogging?" ...to which I reply, without a pause; yes. I love blogging. It's my own place to go and feel like no one can judge me. I treasure it, like it's my home.

I love coming here and sharing with all of you, the wonderful things that are going on in my life.

I love slipping some pictures in here and there, giving you a small glimpse of what I'm seeing.

I love that this blog, my baby, is like my very own book about my life.

This blog has taught me so much over the past year and I have so much more learning to come. Coming here and seeing that blank page, waiting for me to scribble on, is like a artist staring at a blank canvas before he begins to paint.

So, I thank you, little blog.

Thank you for providing a place for me to vent. A place for me to cry. A place that brings a smile to my face.

And thank you, readers. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have any motivation to share my stories. I hope to give you more pictures to go along with my words.

As my blog blows out the candles, here's to another great year.

Happy Birthday Blog! You're my little something special.

Spread The Word To End The Word.

Please remember what today is. March 21st...

World Down Syndrome Day.

While every day should be a day of awareness (not just for this foundation, but for every foundation), today is a day where we bring attention to the adults and children who have down syndrome. Even if you do not know anyone personally (as I do not), being supportive to those who do is all I can ask for.

Did you know that 3% of the world's population have intellectual disabilities? Sounds like a small number, but that's 200 million people around the world.

Did you know that the ever increasing use of the word retard or retarded in today's society effects the negative stereotypes that face people with intellectual disabilities? Because of this, people around the world are helping to raise awareness of the hurtful, cruel and insensitive effects of the "r-word". You too can help encourage others to spread the word to end the word and help people to think before they speak.

I made a pledge to do so...will you?

I only takes a measly ten seconds to make a pledge. It's free...and you know what? You'll feel a million times better after you do. Please visit this site to make your pledge.

Happy Monday friends!

A Little Something Special

I feel like I need to start the A Little Something Special post edition. Maybe it's a weekly thing (probably not) or maybe it's something I do every other month. But I feel the need to acknowledge the things that are special to me at the moment.

I've been thinking about this concept for a while...so I'm just gonna go with it.

Weekend Morning Coffee
I love my weekend coffee because I'm actually drinking it from a cup. Not the coffee thermos that I bring to work every day. I can sit on the couch, with my feet up, a blanket draped over me, and a cup of coffee in my hand. It's me and Jon's time in the morning where we're waking up together.

Tulips
I love them. There's something about Tulips that makes me feel, happy. Stress free. Calm. Saturday morning I walked into the kitchen and noticed the sun hitting the Tulips so beautifully. I couldn't help but smile :)

Date Nights
With us saving every bit of money we can for the wedding, date nights are few and far between. Which, by the way, is perfectly okay. That just means when we do have them, it's a special occasion and something I truly treasure.

Family
This past week I went with my Dad to the hospital where he had surgery to remove a hernia. Seeing him in the prep room made me realize that my parents are getting older. I always thought of my Dad as a superhero, like nothing could ever happen to him. Reality sunk in...and something inside began to hurt. It reminded me how thankful I am and how much I love and adore my family.

Fur-babies
I miss them. My cats, Peanut and Cookie, are at my parents house since we aren't able to have pets in our condo. My Mom sends me pictures of them all the time and it really makes me miss them. I've had them both since they were born and I wish I could have them next to me.

My Favorite
He's all I want and all I'll ever need. He does more than I could ask for and treats me with respect. I didn't know men like him existed - he truly is my prince charming.

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(That is my way of beginning a new topic, btw)

Oh Lord...we're officially 6 months away from our wedding. Can it PLEASE come faster!? I know, beggars can't be choosers, but I just want our day to be here! However, I am enjoying everything that comes with it.

Saturday Jon and I hiked up Mission Peak. Oh. My. Gosh. I was so sore when we got home. In fact, I am still sore. My knees were so weak, they were shaky. My legs were so sore, I thought for sure they were going to fall off. And my ass, well...my ass hurt even when I sat on it. The funny thing is, we didn't even make it to the top of the mountain! We only got to about half way. Jon wants to go back this weekend to finish it. You can imagine my excitement when the forecast calls for rain this weekend  :)

Happy Monday friends!

March Madness.

And no, I don't mean basketball. We've got a lot going on this month. Hence, the word madness.

March marks our 6 month countdown until the wedding (excuse me while I hyperventilate). It's coming up so fast. And while I've been taking things slow for the past few months, this is where all the details start happening. I'd be lying if I said this isn't my favorite part. I'm a very detailed person, so making the table numbers instead of using the generic ones that the venue provides, will be fun for me. Going above and beyond to make a simple "do-it-yourself" buffet menu for each table to view, won't be added stress at all. Michael's trips excite me. It's like Disneyland. Ok, ok...nothing is like Disneyland, but it definitely comes close. It's all the detailed things that really make a wedding unique. And yes, I take pride in being able to do these things on my own. I'm an arts & crafts kind of girl - what can I say.

Can I just take a minute to say how awesome I am for holding back the urge to wear my dress? I'm perfectly content with it being in the closet. However, that doesn't mean I don't go in there, unzip the dress bag, and take a peek at it every now and then. I'm positive this will be a weekly ritual until the day of the wedding. I've learned to accept it :-)

Not only is the month filled with wedding stuff, but it's filled with birthday's gallor! One of them being Jon's 27th birthday. If the wedding wasn't happening, I'd be taking him away for a surprise weekend - but I'm pretty sure our Puerto Vallarta honeymoon trip beats any 'ol weekend trip I would have planned. I'm just sayin'...

This weekend I "plan" (quoted because the likelihood of it happening is slim to none), to do some deep cleaning on the house. I'm talkin', sweeping, mopping, dusting, laundry and vacuuming. I may even hang some pictures and shelves on our plain sandy colored walls - something that I've wanted to do since we moved in......7 months ago. Pure laziness on my part. We don't plan on leaving our place any time soon, so I might as well make it look like people actually live there.

I made a dent in our spare bedroom last weekend (which has conveniently become the room for wedding crap). Jon suggests that I don't spend too much time trying to fix it up - only to redo it next year to make room for......a baby. Yes, we're big fans of wanting to be parents so we won't be wasting any time after we're married. Hopefully this time next year I'll be blogging about morning sickness, gaining weight, acid-reflux and baby kicks to the bladder. I know, I know...I shouldn't plan for things like this, but it's hard not to when it's something you can't stop thinking about.

I've got major baby fever, That's b-a-b-y fever...not b-i-e-b-e-r fever. There's a difference. Just wanted to clarify...

Ok, March! Show me what you've got! Here we go, you'll be over before I know it.